The fried noodles, which had become unappetizing due to the heavy conversation, still ended up in my stomach—not for any other reason, but simply because they cost 38 yuan.

After saying goodbye to Li Jianlian, I carried my newly purchased rash guard back to the lounge chair area on the artificial beach, reuniting with the four-person group who had stayed behind.

The shut-in girl, Xiao Cangyu, was still engrossed in her Nin-jigoku¹ handheld console, fully focused on controlling her little green-hatted character as it battled a giant monster. She didn’t notice my return—or perhaps she did, but just chose to ignore me.

She really isn’t cute at all. This little sister is several times less cute than my Tangerine.

Brother Feng Wu was probably exhausted from driving earlier. Now, he was lying on a lounge chair without an umbrella, eyes closed, basking in the sunlight…

That is, if there were actually any sunlight in an indoor water park.

"I'm back from eating."

I casually greeted no one in particular, then tossed the bag containing the sun-protection jacket to Rinka.

"A new rash guard, or do you prefer your own one?"

Given Rinka's usual taste in clothing, he seemed to favor shades of blue, so I had picked out a sky-blue sun jacket for him.

"I'll wear the new one. Just make sure you don’t take yours off!"

"Yes, yes, I got it loud and clear."

As soon as he put on the jacket, Rinka seemed noticeably more at ease.

It was my first time seeing his unmade-up face today—his delicate and handsome features easily outclassed Zhao Zhao.

With looks like that, if he were walking alone on the beach, he’d probably be the type to get hit on by older women instead.

Meanwhile, Yan Liuzhuan wasn’t holding his sketchbook but was instead silently watching the artificial waves crash against the shore.

"Hey, Old Yan, what are you doing? Checking out pretty girls?"

"Old Yan?"

"I mean, we’re friends now, right? Calling you 'Classmate Yan' or 'Yan Liuzhuan' just feels too distant."

Rinka had a different opinion on the matter: "I think ‘Liuliu’ sounds cuter."

…No matter how you spin it, "Liuliu" just doesn’t suit a grown man.

Yan Liuzhuan, as usual, maintained his cold, "You owe me money" expression.

"I'm working on a composition. When I get home today, I'll paint this beach scene."

He completely ignored the name debate, which I suppose was his way of expressing his disapproval of "Liuliu."

"Why not just take a picture and use that as a reference?"

"Copying reality has no meaning. Art isn’t about simple replication—it’s about an idealized vision."

"Then why do you need models and plaster casts?"

"Ideal beauty still needs to be rooted in reality."

I felt like I was just arguing for the sake of it, so I dropped the subject.

Rinka picked up Yan Liuzhuan's sketchbook, flipping through it, and I leaned in to take a look as well.

This sketchbook seemed to be used for practice or rough drafts. Most of the earlier pages contained unfinished sketches—traditional plaster casts or still-life studies, none of which were completed. Some were just half-drawn outlines.

Surprisingly, the most recent pages contained more detailed sketches of female figures. Given Yan Liuzhuan's artistic aspirations, of course, they were nude studies. However, the model for these sketches…

"Wait… isn't this—?"

"It's Liuliuzi."

Tan Linhua’s words confirmed my suspicion.

Yan Liuzhuan had boldly drawn his own female form in his sketchbook, with a level of realism that was quite impressive. Blushing, Tan Linhua quickly flipped past those pages—not everyone could adopt Yan Liuzhuan’s purely platonic artistic perspective.

Then, we came across a drawing of a girl in a more anime-like style. A surprise, considering his usual work.

So he really did dabble in digital illustration too.

The freckled girl in the drawing had a distinct soul. She wasn’t conventionally beautiful, but her gaze was full of determination—like a petrel, small and unassuming but carrying a quiet pride.

After a moment of admiring the piece, Tan Linhua suddenly exclaimed, "Wait! Is this… Jasmine?"

Jasmine? Who’s that?

Yan Liuzhuan nodded in confirmation.

Wait, that name sounds familiar…

Oh, right! That was the protagonist of the romance novel Rinka bought at the bookstore on our way to Yan Liuzhuan’s place.

He had mentioned leaving the book behind there. Turns out, not only did Yan Liuzhuan read the entire thing, but he was also inspired enough to draw the main character.

Compared to the book’s official illustrations, his version was more realistic—probably influenced by his traditional art background.

"You guys are talking about Jasmine… as in the protagonist of Dreamlike Fragrance?"

A warm male voice interrupted.

Turning around, I saw brother Feng Wu standing behind us, looking at the sketchbook. At some point, he had woken up. Despite his scruffy appearance, his voice had a surprisingly gentle charm.

Xiao Cangyu was also standing beside him, tiptoeing to get a peek—but since Rinka held the sketchbook pretty high, her 150cm frame couldn’t reach.

Rinka handed the book down to her and looked at the scruffy man in surprise. "Wait, do you read shoujo novels too?"

"No, this one is an exception. Don’t be too shocked when I tell you this—but my little sister wrote it."

"What?! Your sister is Miyanaga Kohime-sensei?! The promo page did say 'young debut author'… but I never imagined she was a middle schooler!"

A middle schooler writing a high school romance novel?

Xiao Cangyu lowered her head, looking embarrassed, and hid behind Brother Feng Wu.

"Your sister’s book is excellent. The pacing and character portrayal are both outstanding," Yan Liuzhuan praised, his usual furrowed brows relaxing slightly for once.

"Oh, not at all! Your artwork is incredible too—it’s got real depth to it."

Ah, here we go. A good ol’ round of mutual artist compliments.

"Can I illustrate your sister’s next book? No offense, but Dreamlike Fragrance's illustrations were pretty lackluster."

"The book's already published, so the illustrations can’t be changed. Plus, the current illustrator is fairly well-known, which helps with sales."

Pairing a famous artist with a rookie writer—strategically, that made sense. But because of that dynamic, the illustrator probably didn’t put much effort into it.

"Brother Feng Wu, are you Cangyu’s editor?" I asked.

He waved his hand. "Of course not. But I handle all her communications with the publisher and editor. My sister is, well… socially anxious. She usually stays at home. If Haitang-chan hadn’t invited her out today, she wouldn’t have come."

So this little shut-in was a hardcore Haitang fangirl, huh? What’s so appealing about that brutal, high wall monster of a girl?

"A socially anxious person… but you’re a game streamer?"

Xiao Cangyu popped out from behind Brother Fengwu and stuck her tongue out at me. "Streamers don’t need to show their faces! As long as I don’t have to appear on camera, I’m fine!"

Brother Feng Wu patted her head dotingly and continued, "But my sister will definitely write another book, so there’s still a chance to collaborate. If you’re interested in commercial illustration, you could submit your work to Lilim Publishing."

Yan Liuzhuan shook his head. "Don’t misunderstand. I’m not interested in commercial illustration—I’m just interested in Miyanaga Kohime as an author."

Whoa, whoa!

Dude, you do realize you’re saying that right in front of her overprotective big brother, right?!

Xiao Cangyu shrank back. "T-thanks for your support…"

"Next week, there’s a big convention. Lilim Publishing has a booth there, and some editors and authors will be doing signings. You should check it out."

"A signing event? Miyanaga Kohime-sensei has such a big following—won’t she be there?"

Rinka glanced at the girl hiding behind her brother. Brother Feng Wu just sighed.

"Look at her. Do you really think she could handle a signing event?"

The large CP convention—now that I think about it, Wu Qinglan’s group also has a booth there. But with this kind of weather, going to a con sounds like absolute torture.

Yan Liuzhuan pulled out his phone to check the CP event details, then glanced at me and Rinka.

On that perpetually expressionless face of his, there was… a hint of anticipation?

"I’ll go with Liuliu!"

"Hey, Old Yan, don’t look at me! I, Chang Kai, would rather drown in my own delusions than suffer through a convention in this heat!"